One-time fastener



Jan. 26, 1943. w sc 2,309,315

ONE-TIME FASTENER- Filed Sept. 26, 1941 ALBERTWH. mesa/1'.

Patented Jan. 26, 1943 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ONE-TIME FASTENER Albert W. H. Hirsch, Tampa, Fla. Application September 26, 1941, Serial No. 412,501

3 Claims.

This invention relates to a fastener device par ticularly for use on citrus bags, and other consumer bags.

An object of the invention is the production of a novel and eflicient fastener which can be pushed along the strings of a bag to its mouth, until said mouth is closed, and then the strings are pulled firmly apart until they are gripped in the ends of thedevice.

Another object of the invention is the production of an efiicient and comparatively inexpensive fastener that is preferably formed from a seamless band, possessing considerable spring tension, and which is very efiicient in holding a bag in a closed condition.

A still further object is the novel process of making a bag fastener whereby a device is manufactured which can be easily applied to different types of bags having strings, and the strings held securely against accidental releasing.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, the invention comprises certain novel constructions, combinations, and arrangements of parts as will be hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawing, and more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is an enlarged view in elevation of a fastener constructed in accordance with this invention, showing the same applied to a bag.

Figure 2 is an enlarged bottom plan view of the device.

Figure 3 is a section view, taken on line 3-3, Figure 2, and looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 3a is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of one end of the device.

Figure 4 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the invention from that shown in Figures 2, 3 and 3a, while Figure 5 is a side or edge view thereof.

Figure 6 is a view showing the different steps of the process for making the fastener.

Figure 7 is a plan view of another embodiment of the invention, while Figure 8 is an elevated rear side or edge view of the same.

Referring to the drawing, in which the preferred embodiment of this invention is shown in Figures 2, 3 and 3a, the process for making the I fastener involves the setting up of a spline ten sion at the ends of the body of the device by the method of forming the opening at its center. The first step to take in carrying out the process is to form a flat seamless band as shown at l in Figure 6. Then flattening this band I in a press, as shown at 2 of Figure 6. The tongues l and 9 and the slots 8 and Ill are then stamped out in a punch press. Then this flattened band is placed in a forming die and subjected to a, tapered punch under pressure, which causes the center to be spread producing the central opening 3 of the device. This forming of the central opening 3 stretches the metal, thereby increases the spring tension at the ends of the device, between the parallel sides 4 and 5; this tension or spring action of the fiat sides of the device is suificient to efiiciently hold soft twine securely when it is wedged between the sides 4 and 5 as shown.

In each of the embodiments the forming of the opening 3 produces bent-out portions 6 upon the body of the device.

In the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 2, 3 and 3a, the flat side 4 is provided with a bodily-movable inwardly-extending springy tongue I and with a slot 8, whereas side 5 is provided with a bodily-movable inwardly-extending springy tongue 9 and with a slot [0. The springy tongue I normally extends into slot l0, while the tongue 9 extends into slot 8 in opposite direction to tongue I. This structure permits the strings I I to be drawn securely into wedging and locked position, and prevents said strings from accidentally being pulled back out of wedging position, so that this fastener cannot be unintentionally disengaged.

While the outwardly-bent portions 5 of the device form a comparatively rigid unit, still the parallel fiat sides 4 and 5 at the ends of the device are of a springy or resilient constituency, for efiiciently clamping the placed strings.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8 the parallel fiat sides 4 and 5 are the same as the other embodiments, but the central opening 3a is of the slightly different structure. This central opening 3a is flared to facilitate the running or threading of the knots l2 of the strings I I through the fastening device.

It has been found from experience that stretching the center of the device for forming the opening causes the portions 6 to be rigid but at the same time increasing the spring tension at the ends of the device, between the parallel flat sides.

When the strings are in the position shown in Figures 3 and 3a, if the operator desires to move a string toward the center opening 3, then all that is necessary is to press with a suitable tool the springy tongue I or 9 to a substantial parallel position with the portion of the device carrying the same, thereby permitting the string to ride under the springy tongue, giving a free passage for the string to the opening 3.

In operation the device is placed upon the ends of the cord or string of the bag by threading the ends through the central opening 3 or through 3a then drawing the string through the device until the mouth of the bag is tightly closed, whereupon the end portions of the strings are then drawn between the springy clamping flat sides 4 and 5 of the fastener, to the position shown in Figure 1, or Figure 3, whereupon the bag mouth is securely closed against accidental opening.

While I have described the preferred embodiments of my invention and illustrated same in the accompanying drawing, certain changes or alterations may appear to one skilled in the art to which this invention relates during the extensive manufacture of same, and I, therefore, reserve the right to make such changes or alterations as shall fairly fall within the scope of the appended claims.

1 What I claim is:

1. A bag fastener for holding strings, comprising a single piece of springy fiat material provided with a central opening and with a pair of elongated flat body-portions, each bodyportion comprising two flat units, and one unit being provided with a slot and the other unit being provided with an inwardly-extending bodily-movable springy tongue registering with said slot and normally extending into said slot.

said last mentioned side also being provided with a slot near one end only adapted to receive the first-mentioned spring tongue, both of said tongues extending in opposite directions towards the ends of said sides, whereby cords within the fastener device will be locked between said tongues and the ends of the device against accidental displacement.

3. A'bag fastener for holding strings, compris ing a body provided with flat parallel sides, one side being provided with an inwardly-extending bodily-movable springy tongue and a slot, and

the other side being provided with a slot registering with said springy tongue and into which 7 slot said springy tongue normally extends, and the last-mentioned side also being provided with a bodily-movable inwardly-extending springy tongue registering with and normally extending into said slot of the first-mentioned side.

ALBERT W. H. HIRSCH. 

